“Definitely from a midfield point of view last year – and I am biased,I am a Melbourne supporter – but you go through Angus Brayshaw,Jack Viney,Petracca,Oliver are all elite and were sitting around ninth,” he said of the players’ drive to better exploit the talent.
The 29-year-old charismatic ruckman has signed a new four-year contract,simultaneously closing out the idea of free agency this year – as if as captain that was ever a serious consideration – and making certain he ends his career at Melbourne.
He feels that after being interrupted in his emergence in the AFL that his career didn’t really get started until he was 22,so he will be physically able to play until he is 34. He looks to Fremantle’s Aaron Sandilands as his inspiration for that.
His own changing role this year is emblematic of a shift at Melbourne,where the individual’s game is secondary to team needs.
The emergence of Luke Jackson as a genuine ruck and forward means Gawn will spend more time forward than previously as Melbourne play a more forward-pressure game.
Against Richmond in thepractice match last week Gawn went to the fewest centre bounces he has attended in a game in the last five years.
“This week against the Dogs I might do 100 per cent. It’s not as predictable. My value to the team is the most important. I love to ruck but it is what the team needs and that is what will determine the balance. I have got to develop as a forward so we can develop as a team,” he said. “If I can develop some stuff up forward I can give Goody more options.”
Gawn said he was desperate to be part of an era of success at Melbourne.
“Melbourne football club speaks so loudly in my ears. We have a great history but a poor recent history and I would love to be involved with the team that changes that,” he said.
“I would love to be a part of that and I feel this group has something that can do it.”
Meanwhile All-Australian defender Rory Laird is set to turn his back on free agency and commit to the Crows for another five years.
The long-term deal will lock the running ball magnet in until 2026 which will see him with Adelaide until he turns 32.
Laird has been one of the Crows most consistent performers in a turbulent period for the club and successfully made the move from defence to the midfield in 2020 under first year coach Matthew Nicks.
He was initially offered a three year deal but was seeking a long term deal.
He is expected to remain in that role in 2021 as the Crows look to add some run through the middle in the absence of Brad Crouch,who joined St Kilda,and Wayne Milera,who is out for six to nine months with a leg injury.